System and method for managing and implementing electronic equipment tests

Abstract

A system and method for managing and implementing tests for electronic equipment having a host device having a database containing selectable test options, a remote device to which information from the host device is downloaded, the information including at least one test selection, the remote device being capable of implementing a test protocol corresponding to the test selection by interfacing with and controlling testing equipment. The system optionally allows for the host to contain a database including identifiers for electronic equipment, and for the information to contain an equipment selection. Test results are optionally recorded and analyzed. An alternate embodiment of the system and methods integrates the functions of the host and remote device into a single device, either host or remote, and provides for wired, wireless, or network connection between the device and the testing equipment.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for managing and implementing tests for electronic equipment comprising: 
 a host device having a database containing selectable test options,    a remote device to which information from the host device is downloaded, said information comprising at least one test selection, said remote device being capable of implementing a test protocol corresponding to said test selection by interfacing with and controlling testing equipment.    
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the host device further comprises a database containing selectable identifiers for electronic equipment, and wherein said information further comprises at least one equipment selection.  
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 2 , wherein said host device further comprises a graphic user interface module which allows a user to interface with said databases and to select from said identifiers for electronic equipment and said test options.  
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said host device further comprises a database containing selectable testing equipment options.  
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 2 , further comprising translation modules for translating testing steps into communication sequences specific to particular testing equipment.  
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said information is downloaded via a wired connection.  
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said information is downloaded via a wireless connection.  
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said information is downloaded via a computer network.  
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said remote device further comprises means for recording results from a test, and further comprising means for uploading said results to said host device.  
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 9 , wherein said host device further comprises means for analyzing said results.  
     
     
         11 . A method for managing and implementing tests for electronic equipment comprising the steps of: 
 selecting at least one test option using a host device,    downloading information comprising at least one test selection to a remote device,    having an operator interface said remote device to testing equipment to test particular electronic equipment.    
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising the step of: 
 selecting at least one identifier for electronic equipment using the host device, and wherein said information further comprises at least one electronic equipment selection.    
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , further comprising the steps of: 
 recording the results of a test using the remote device,    uploading the results of the test from the remote device to a central database.    
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the central database is contained on the host device.  
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13 , further comprising the step of: 
 analyzing and managing the results of the test using the central database.    
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein said results comprise a circuit identifier, a test time, a test set configuration, and a test step.  
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising the steps of: 
 performing at least one subordinate test via said remote device in response to a failing result from a test step.    
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein results from the at least one subordinate test are used to determined a specific cause of failure.  
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising the steps of: 
 providing an option to the operator when a failing result from a test step arises to continue or discontinue testing.    
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the step of providing an option to the operator further comprises providing an option to interface with said host device to complete testing.  
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein the host device interfaces directly with the testing equipment.  
     
     
         22 . A system for managing and implementing tests for electronic equipment comprising: 
 a device having a database containing selectable test options wherein selections can be made by a user via a user interface, said selections comprising at least one test selection, said device being capable of implementing a test protocol corresponding to said test selection by interfacing with and controlling testing equipment.    
     
     
         23 . The system according to  claim 22 , wherein the device further comprises a database containing selectable identifiers for electronic equipment, and wherein said selections further comprise at least one equipment selection.  
     
     
         24 . The system according to  claim 23 , wherein said device further comprises a graphic user interface module which allows a user to interface with said databases and to select from said identifiers for electronic equipment and said test options.  
     
     
         25 . The system according to  claim 24 , wherein said device further comprises a database containing selectable testing equipment options.  
     
     
         26 . The system according to  claim 23 , further comprising translation modules for translating testing steps into communication sequences specific to particular testing equipment.  
     
     
         27 . The system according to  claim 22 , wherein said device is a host or server device capable of interfacing with testing equipment via wired, wireless, network, or internet connection.  
     
     
         28 . The system according to  claim 22 , wherein said device is a remote device capable of interfacing with testing equipment via wired, wireless, network, or internet connection.  
     
     
         29 . The system according to  claim 22 , wherein said device further comprises means for recording results from a test.  
     
     
         30 . The system according to  claim 29 , wherein said device further comprises means for analyzing said results.  
     
     
         31 . A method for managing and implementing tests for electronic equipment comprising the steps of: 
 selecting at least one test option using a device,    said test option comprising at least one test selection,    interfacing said device to testing equipment to test particular electronic equipment.    
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 31 , further comprising the step of: 
 selecting at least one identifier for electronic equipment using the device, and    selecting at least one electronic equipment selection.    
     
     
         33 . The method according to  claim 32 , further comprising the steps of recording the results of a test using the device.  
     
     
         34 . The method according to  claim 32 , further comprising the step of: 
 analyzing and managing the results of the test using a central database.    
     
     
         35 . The method according to  claim 32 , wherein said results comprise a circuit identifier, a test time, a test set configuration, and a test step.  
     
     
         36 . The method according to  claim 31 , further comprising the steps of: 
 performing at least one subordinate test via said device in response to a failing result from a test step.    
     
     
         37 . The method according to  claim 36 , wherein results from the at least one subordinate test are used to determined a specific cause of failure.  
     
     
         38 . The method according to  claim 31 , further comprising the steps of: 
 providing an option to the operator when a failing result from a test step arises to continue or discontinue testing.    
     
     
         39 . The method according to  claim 31 , wherein the device is a host or server device capable of interfacing with the sting equipment via wired, wireless, network, or internet connection.  
     
     
         40 . The method according to  claim 31 , wherein the device is a remote device capable of interfacing with testing equipment via wired, wireless, network, or internet connection.  
     
     
         41 . The system according to  claim 28 , wherein said remote device is a PDA or Palm device, and wherein said testing equipment comprises telecommunications testing equipment.  
     
     
         42 . The system according to  claim 28 , wherein said remote device is a PDA or Palm device, and wherein said testing equipment comprises transmissions testing equipment.